When to implement the toll-free program?
The toll-free program for toll road users should be implemented not only for one or two days but on the peak days of mudik and homeward-bound travels. Zero-rupiah tolls should be offered from Monday (Apr 17 or D-5) to Tuesday (Apr 25 or D+2).
Jasa Marga predicts the peak of homecoming traffic on the Jakarta-Cikampek toll road (Km 66) will occur on Wednesday (Apr 19) or three days before Eid day. Meanwhile, the peak of homeward-bound traffic will fall on Tuesday (Apr 25) or H+2.
Therefore, it will be a wise move to waive tolls on toll roads from Monday, April 17, to Tuesday, April 25.
Zero-rupiah tolls to reduce traffic congestion
Free toll roads during the peak of the Eid holiday season, that is D-5 to D+7, will allow the public to travel more flexibly, avoiding peak travel days. Civil servants who start their Eid holiday break on Monday, April 17, can enjoy the toll-free benefit. Employees in private companies whose holiday break usually starts closer to Eid day can also enjoy the free toll roads if they travel on D-1.
Not only will it reduce congestion, but the toll-free program can ease people’s burden and improve their purchasing power. As the economy is predicted to stutter in 2023, the free toll road program can encourage public spending, particularly for the lower-middle-income class. Their transportation costs will decrease, and their spending can grow by 10- 25 percent.
Such a strategy offers twin benefits: reducing traffic congestion and increasing economic growth.
Consider how a toll-free policy for certain toll roads is also implemented in China during the Chinese New Year holiday and in the US during Christmas and New Year holidays. Again, the free toll road program is intended to reduce road congestion and improve purchasing power.
The SOE that manages the toll roads should not be too greedy. Instead of offering a tiny discount on toll roads outside the peak mudik period, they should make it free of charge.
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The stakeholders need to reconsider this discounted-toll policy and offer zero-Rupiah tolls instead. The President, the Transportation Minister, the Public Works and Housing Minister and the SOEs Minister should find solutions to resolve the upcoming epic congestion caused by 123 million travelers and boost economic growth amid the 2023 economic slump.